List of State Attractions

1. National Land
2. State Land
3. Private Attractions
4. Shopping Centers

I. National Land

National Park

• Indiana Dunes National Park
  Stretching for 15 miles along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, this national park boasts stunning beaches, rugged sand dunes, and diverse habitats. Visitors can enjoy a unique blend of coastal recreation and exploration of rare ecosystems, including wetlands, prairies, and forests.
  • Location: 1100 N. Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304
  • Nearest Major City: Chicago
  • Website: nps.gov/indu
  • Phone: (219) 395-1882
  • Visitor Interests: Beachgoing and swimming, hiking over 50 miles of trails, climbing the massive sand dunes, birdwatching (the park is a major migratory stop), camping.

National Historic Parks & Sites

• George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
  This park commemorates the 1779 capture of Fort Sackville from the British by Lieutenant Colonel George Rogers Clark and his small army. The massive granite memorial and visitor center exhibits tell the story of this pivotal Revolutionary War victory on the western frontier.
  • Location: 401 S. 2nd Street, Vincennes, IN 47591
  • Nearest Major City: Evansville
  • Website: nps.gov/gero
  • Phone: (812) 882-1776
  • Visitor Interests: Viewing the Clark Memorial, exploring visitor center exhibits about the Revolutionary War in the west, walking the park grounds along the Wabash River.
• Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
  This site preserves the farm where Abraham Lincoln spent 14 formative years of his life, from age 7 to 21. Visitors can explore the grounds, visit a living historical farm that recreates the 1820s homestead, and walk the same paths Lincoln did as a boy.
  • Location: 3027 E South St, Lincoln City, IN 47552
  • Nearest Major City: Evansville
  • Website: nps.gov/libo
  • Phone: (812) 937-4541
  • Visitor Interests: Exploring the Lincoln Living Historical Farm with costumed interpreters, visiting the Memorial Visitor Center and museum, hiking the Trail of Twelve Stones, viewing the gravesite of Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln.

National Forest

• Hoosier National Forest
  Located in the rolling hills of south-central Indiana, the Hoosier National Forest offers a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities across its 204,000 acres. The forest is a patchwork of beautiful hardwood forests, back-country trails, and scenic lakes.
  • Location: 811 Constitution Avenue, Bedford, IN 47421 (Forest Headquarters)
  • Nearest Major City: Bloomington
  • Website: fs.usda.gov/hoosier
  • Phone: (812) 275-5987
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking and backpacking (including the 48-mile Knobstone Trail), camping, fishing and boating on several lakes, horseback riding, exploring historic sites like the Celina Lake Recreation Area.

National Wildlife Refuges

• Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
  Established on a portion of the former Jefferson Proving Ground, this refuge protects one of the largest unfragmented forested areas in southeastern Indiana. It provides a vital habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, including the endangered Indiana bat.
  • Location: 16600 W Co Rd 450 N, Madison, IN 47250
  • Nearest Major City: Louisville, KY
  • Website: fws.gov/refuge/big-oaks
  • Phone: (812) 273-0783
  • Visitor Interests: Wildlife observation and photography from an auto tour route, fishing, hunting, birdwatching (especially for cerulean warblers and Henslow's sparrows).
• Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
  Indiana's first national wildlife refuge, Muscatatuck was established to provide a resting and feeding area for waterfowl during their annual migrations. The refuge's diverse habitats of wetlands, forests, and grasslands attract a wide variety of wildlife year-round.
  • Location: 12985 E US Highway 50, Seymour, IN 47274
  • Nearest Major City: Indianapolis
  • Website: fws.gov/refuge/muscatatuck
  • Phone: (812) 522-4352
  • Visitor Interests: Excellent birdwatching opportunities, driving the auto tour route, hiking, fishing, visiting the visitor center with its bird viewing room.
• Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
  Located in southwestern Indiana, this refuge protects and restores bottomland hardwood forest habitats along the Patoka River. It is a key area for migratory birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife.
  • Location: 510 1/2 W Morton St, Oakland City, IN 47660
  • Nearest Major City: Evansville
  • Website: fws.gov/refuge/patoka-river
  • Phone: (812) 749-3199
  • Visitor Interests: Birdwatching, hunting, fishing, kayaking and canoeing on the Patoka River, photography.

National Scenic Byway

• Ohio River Scenic Byway
  This byway follows the winding path of the Ohio River along Indiana's southern border, passing through historic river towns, scenic landscapes, and cultural attractions. It offers a glimpse into the region's rich history and natural beauty.
  • Location: Along the southern border of Indiana from near Cincinnati to near Evansville
  • Nearest Major Cities: Cincinnati, OH; Louisville, KY; Evansville, IN
  • Website: ohioriverscenicbyway.com
  • Phone: N/A
  • Visitor Interests: Scenic driving, exploring historic towns like Madison and Vevay, visiting wineries, stopping at state parks and historic sites along the route.

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II. State Land

Top Ten Most Visited State Parks

• Brown County State Park
  Indiana's largest state park, often called the "Little Smokies" for its stunning vistas of rolling, forested hills. The park is especially popular in the autumn when the landscape erupts in brilliant fall colors. It offers numerous overlooks and a wealth of recreational activities.
  • Location: 1801 Indiana 46 E, Nashville, IN 47448
  • Nearest Major City: Bloomington
  • Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/brown-county-state-park/
  • Phone: (812) 988-6406
  • Visitor Interests: Scenic drives and overlooks, extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, horseback riding, staying at the Abe Martin Lodge, swimming at the pool.
• Turkey Run State Park
  Famous for its deep, sandstone ravines and ancient forests, Turkey Run offers some of the most rugged and scenic hiking in the state. Trails wind through narrow gorges and along the banks of Sugar Creek, providing a dramatic landscape for exploration.
  • Location: 8121 E. Park Road, Marshall, IN 47859
  • Nearest Major City: Terre Haute
  • Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/turkey-run-state-park/
  • Phone: (765) 597-2635
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking the ladder trails through the ravines, canoeing or kayaking on Sugar Creek, visiting the nature center, staying at the historic Turkey Run Inn.
• Clifty Falls State Park
  Located near historic Madison, this park is known for its seasonal waterfalls and a deep, rugged canyon carved by Clifty Creek. The park's trails offer spectacular views of the canyon and the Ohio River valley.
  • Location: 2221 Clifty Drive, Madison, IN 47250
  • Nearest Major City: Louisville, KY
  • Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/clifty-falls-state-park/
  • Phone: (812) 273-8885
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking to view the four major waterfalls (best in spring and winter), exploring the canyon, visiting the nature center, staying at the Clifty Inn with its river views.
• Pokagon State Park
  Situated on the shores of Lake James and Snow Lake, Pokagon is a year-round destination. In the summer, it's a hub for water activities, and in the winter, it's famous for its refrigerated toboggan run.
  • Location: 450 Lane 100 Lake James, Angola, IN 46703
  • Nearest Major City: Fort Wayne
  • Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/pokagon-state-park/
  • Phone: (260) 833-2012
  • Visitor Interests: Riding the refrigerated toboggan run in winter, swimming and boating on the lakes, hiking, staying at the Potawatomi Inn.
• McCormick's Creek State Park
  Indiana's first state park, McCormick's Creek is a beautiful destination with a stunning limestone canyon, a scenic waterfall, and unique geological formations like Wolf Cave. It offers a variety of activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Location: 250 McCormick's Creek Park Road, Spencer, IN 47460
  • Nearest Major City: Bloomington
  • Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/mccormicks-creek-state-park/
  • Phone: (812) 829-2235
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking through the canyon, exploring Wolf Cave, visiting the nature center, swimming in the park pool, staying at the Canyon Inn.
• Spring Mill State Park
  This park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and history. It features a restored pioneer village from the 1800s, numerous caves, and a memorial to astronaut Virgil "Gus" Grissom, who was from the nearby town of Mitchell.
  • Location: 3333 State Road 60 E, Mitchell, IN 47446
  • Nearest Major City: Bloomington
  • Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/spring-mill-state-park/
  • Phone: (812) 849-4129
  • Visitor Interests: Exploring the Pioneer Village and its working gristmill, taking a boat tour of Twin Caves, visiting the Grissom Memorial, hiking.
• Fort Harrison State Park
  An urban oasis on the northeast side of Indianapolis, this park offers a peaceful escape with its rolling hills, mature forests, and access to Fall Creek. It's a popular spot for hiking, golfing, and picnicking.
  • Location: 6000 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216
  • Nearest Major City: Indianapolis
  • Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/fort-harrison-state-park/
  • Phone: (317) 591-0904
  • Visitor Interests: Hiking and biking, golfing at the award-winning course, horseback riding, visiting the Museum of 20th Century Warfare, picnicking.
• Mounds State Park
  Located near Anderson, this park preserves ten unique earthworks built by prehistoric Adena and Hopewell cultures. The largest earthwork, the "Great Mound," is a circular enclosure believed to have been used for religious ceremonies.
  • Location: 4306 Mounds Road, Anderson, IN 46017
  • Nearest Major City: Indianapolis
  • Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/mounds-state-park/
  • Phone: (765) 642-6627
  • Visitor Interests: Viewing the ancient earthworks, hiking, visiting the nature center, swimming in the park pool, camping.
• Shades State Park
  A haven for hikers, Shades is known for its sandstone cliffs and shady ravines along Sugar Creek. It offers a more primitive and secluded experience than its popular neighbor, Turkey Run.
  • Location: 7751 S. 890 W., Waveland, IN 47989
  • Nearest Major City: Crawfordsville
  • Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/shades-state-park/
  • Phone: (765) 435-2810
  • Visitor Interests: Rugged hiking, canoeing on Sugar Creek, birdwatching, picnicking, non-electric camping.
• Potato Creek State Park
  This park in north-central Indiana offers a wide variety of activities centered around the 327-acre Worster Lake. It's a popular destination for families, with paved bike trails, a nature center, and diverse habitats.
  • Location: 25601 State Road 4, North Liberty, IN 46554
  • Nearest Major City: South Bend
  • Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/potato-creek-state-park/
  • Phone: (574) 656-8186
  • Visitor Interests: Biking on paved trails, boating and fishing on Worster Lake, swimming at the beach, visiting the nature center, camping.

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III. Private Attractions

Zoos, Botanical Gardens & Aquariums

• Indianapolis Zoo
  A world-class zoo that is uniquely accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. Located in White River State Park, it features a wide variety of animals in simulated natural habitats and offers unique interactive experiences.
  • Location: 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
  • Nearest Major City: Indianapolis
  • Website: indianapoliszoo.com
  • Phone: (317) 630-2001
  • Visitor Interests: The Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, the dolphin pavilion and show, the White River Gardens, feeding giraffes, riding the zoo's roller coaster.
• Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
  Consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the country, this zoo offers an immersive experience with its beautifully designed, themed regions. It's a perfect destination for families with children.
  • Location: 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
  • Nearest Major City: Fort Wayne
  • Website: kidszoo.org
  • Phone: (260) 427-6800
  • Visitor Interests: The African Journey with its savanna and giraffes, the Indonesian Rainforest, the Australian Adventure with a kangaroo walkabout, various rides.
• Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
  An oasis in downtown Fort Wayne, this conservatory features three distinct indoor gardens: a tropical paradise, a desert environment, and a seasonal showcase garden. It offers a beautiful escape into the world of plants.
  • Location: 1100 S Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
  • Nearest Major City: Fort Wayne
  • Website: botanicalconservatory.org
  • Phone: (260) 427-6440
  • Visitor Interests: Exploring the three distinct biomes, seasonal displays and events, outdoor gardens, the gift shop.

Major Museums

• The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
  The world's largest children's museum, this institution offers five floors of fun and interactive exhibits that are engaging for the whole family. It covers a vast range of topics from science and history to art and culture.
  • Location: 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
  • Nearest Major City: Indianapolis
  • Website: childrensmuseum.org
  • Phone: (317) 334-4000
  • Visitor Interests: The Dinosphere exhibit, the Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience, the carousel, traveling exhibits, hands-on science experiments.
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
  Located within the famous racetrack, this museum showcases one of the world's premier collections of racing vehicles and memorabilia. It is a must-visit for any fan of motorsports and the Indianapolis 500.
  • Location: 4750 W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
  • Nearest Major City: Indianapolis
  • Website: imsmuseum.org
  • Phone: (317) 492-6784
  • Visitor Interests: Viewing historic race cars, including many Indy 500 winners; taking a narrated bus tour around the track; exhibits on the history of racing.
• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
  This museum in downtown Indianapolis houses an impressive collection of Native American art and artifacts, as well as Western American paintings and sculptures. It offers a unique perspective on the American West.
  • Location: 500 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
  • Nearest Major City: Indianapolis
  • Website: eiteljorg.org
  • Phone: (317) 636-9378
  • Visitor Interests: Contemporary Native American art, classic Western art by artists like Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, special exhibitions, the annual Indian Market and Festival.
• Conner Prairie
  A nationally acclaimed living history museum, Conner Prairie allows visitors to step back in time and experience 19th-century life in Indiana. It features several distinct historic areas and offers numerous hands-on activities.
  • Location: 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038
  • Nearest Major City: Indianapolis
  • Website: connerprairie.org
  • Phone: (317) 776-6000
  • Visitor Interests: Exploring Prairietown (an 1836 village), the 1859 Balloon Voyage, the Civil War Journey, interacting with costumed interpreters.
• University of Notre Dame
  The historic and beautiful campus of the University of Notre Dame is an attraction in itself. Visitors can admire the iconic architecture, visit several museums, and soak in the collegiate atmosphere.
  • Location: Notre Dame, IN 46556
  • Nearest Major City: South Bend
  • Website: nd.edu
  • Phone: (574) 631-5000
  • Visitor Interests: Taking a campus tour, visiting the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, seeing the "Golden Dome" Main Building, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Snite Museum of Art.

Amusement & Water Parks

• Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
  A unique theme park and water park combination dedicated to holidays and seasons. It is known for its friendly atmosphere, free soft drinks and sunscreen, and world-class roller coasters and water slides.
  • Location: 452 E Christmas Blvd, Santa Claus, IN 47579
  • Nearest Major City: Evansville
  • Website: holidayworld.com
  • Phone: (812) 937-4401
  • Visitor Interests: Themed sections for Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July; top-ranked wooden roller coasters; Splashin' Safari water park with water coasters and wave pools.
• Indiana Beach Boardwalk Resort
  A classic amusement park and resort located on the shores of Lake Shafer. It offers a nostalgic experience with its wooden roller coaster, boardwalk, and variety of rides and attractions over the water.
  • Location: 5224 E Indiana Beach Rd, Monticello, IN 47960
  • Nearest Major City: Lafayette
  • Website: indianabeach.com
  • Phone: (574) 583-4141
  • Visitor Interests: Riding the classic rides, enjoying the boardwalk atmosphere, the water park, boat cruises on Lake Shafer.

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IV. Major Shopping Centers

• The Fashion Mall at Keystone
  The premier luxury shopping destination in the Indianapolis area, featuring a mix of high-end retailers, upscale department stores, and fine dining options.
  • Location: 8702 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN 46240
  • Nearest Major City: Indianapolis
  • Website: simon.com/mall/the-fashion-mall-at-keystone
  • Phone: (317) 574-4000
  • Visitor Interests: High-end and luxury brand shopping (Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom), a variety of dining choices, the attached Sheraton hotel.
• Circle Centre Mall
  Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, this indoor mall is connected to several hotels and the Indiana Convention Center. It offers a variety of retail stores, dining options, and a movie theater.
  • Location: 49 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
  • Nearest Major City: Indianapolis
  • Website: simon.com/mall/circle-centre-mall
  • Phone: (317) 681-8000
  • Visitor Interests: Convenient downtown shopping, a large food court, national retail chains, connected to the Artsgarden.
• Edinburgh Premium Outlets
  A large outdoor outlet mall offering significant savings on a wide variety of brand-name merchandise. It's a popular stop for bargain hunters traveling between Indianapolis and Louisville.
  • Location: 11622 NE Executive Dr, Edinburgh, IN 46124
  • Nearest Major City: Indianapolis
  • Website: premiumoutlets.com/outlet/edinburgh
  • Phone: (812) 526-9764
  • Visitor Interests: Outlet shopping for numerous designer and brand-name stores, finding deals on clothing, accessories, and home goods.
• Glenbrook Square
  The largest shopping mall in the Fort Wayne area, Glenbrook Square offers a wide selection of national retailers, department stores, and dining options, serving as a major retail hub for northeastern Indiana.
  • Location: 4201 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
  • Nearest Major City: Fort Wayne
  • Website: glenbrooksquare.com
  • Phone: (260) 483-2119
  • Visitor Interests: A wide variety of retail stores, a large food court, major department stores.
• University Park Mall
  A major shopping destination in the South Bend/Mishawaka area, offering a mix of popular retail stores, dining options, and a pleasant shopping environment.
  • Location: 6501 N Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545
  • Nearest Major City: South Bend
  • Website: simon.com/mall/university-park-mall
  • Phone: (574) 277-2223
  • Visitor Interests: Popular national retailers, a variety of dining options, proximity to the University of Notre Dame.

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